Dry skin

Dry skin is an uncomfortable condition caused due to lack of moisture in the skin. It is a condition characterized by skin cracking, itching and scaling. Any type of skin can become dry from time to time. This dryness can be due to many reasons. Skin dryness can be found in any part of the body be it hands, legs or face.

Types of dry skin

During dry and cold climates skin can become dry. Other reasons include hot water, chemicals or an underlying skin condition. Extremely dry skin is also sometimes termed as Dermatitis. Dermatitis can be categorized into irritant contact dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis or atopic dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is a type of irritation that develops due to the skin contact with something like an irritating chemical agent like bleach. Allergic dermatitis is caused due to contact with something a person is allergic to for ex. Nickel. Seborrheic dermatitis is due to excess oil produced by your skin resulting in a red scaly rash generally on the forehead. Atopic dermatitis or eczema is chronic skin disease causing dry scaly patches on the skin. Other ailments like psoriasis or type 2 diabetes may also cause skin dryness.

Risk factors Age

Age: The skin pores start producing less oil as you age increasing the risk of dermatitis.

Medical history: You may be more susceptible to allergic dermatitis or eczema if you have a family history of the same.

Season: in fall and winter season the humidity level is quite low which can dry out the skin.

Bathing habits: Washing with very hot water frequently can cause dry skin. Also using soaps and other products that dry out skin can be a contributing factor.

Treatment for dry skin

Lifestyle changes along with using moisturizers to keep your skin moist can help with dermatitis to a great extent. To avoid dry skin:

Avoid bathing or showering in excess hot water

In dry and chilly climates consider showering every other day instead of every day. Shower time must be less than 10 minutes.

Instead of a normal soap, try using a moisturizing soap

Dab on a moisturizer after a bath or shower

Pat dry your skin with a soft towel

Never scratch on dry skin. Apply an anti-itch cream if itching and irritation persists.

It’s that time of year when old man winter bears down on us and makes us shiver in our boots and crave a nice cup of hot chocolate. Along with cold temperatures, winter brings lower humidity and biting winds that ...